Holiday Concerts & Low-Budget Live Performances
Schools & Churches Offer the Best Christmas Plays & Concert Music
Nov 4, 2009
Attending a symphony Christmas concert or watching a professional ballet company perform The Nutcracker is traditional for a lot of people. Hard times and lean budgets will see fewer persons purchasing tickets for these costly holiday events. There are plenty of sources for low-price Christmas concerts and plays, however. Many productions are free to the public.
Where to Find Low-Priced Live Christmas Performances
Look no further than local churches and schools for some of the best live entertainment for the holidays. Kids usually put on a Christmas concert or play in primary school, but don't forget high school holiday band and chorus concerts, and drama class Christmas programs. Where does a person on a tight budget go to hear Christmas music and see holiday programs?
- Neighborhood primary or middle school holiday program.
- High school band, drama club, or orchestra Christmas concert.
- Symphony open rehearsals. For a very small fee, some professional performance groups allow the public to attend open dress rehearsals.
- Free community concert or event. Check the local newspaper for free and low-cost holiday programs scheduled at the community center or hosted by a civic group.
- College music and theater holiday productions. Students perform high quality programs at low prices. Schools with fine arts departments are bound to offer excellent holiday performances.
- Church programs offering a variety of holiday selections from youth performances to adults in stage productions. Many churches offer superb Christmas programs to the public. Some have special groups perform such as hand bell choirs.
- Mall concerts. High school chorus and band students often perform in public malls. Church groups participate too, singing for shoppers and store employees. The acoustics may not be perfect, but the atmosphere is full of holiday spirit.
Families Attending Live Christmas and Holiday Programs
Open symphony or theater rehearsals offer a great teaching opportunity for parents. Young people can learn proper etiquette for attending formal performances such as symphony concerts, ballet and theater productions. While the rehearsal may be in a more relaxed atmosphere, the audience is expected to observe the same etiquette as in a regular performance.
Christmas plays are often child-friendly. Some churches and other groups offer a specific performance scheduled exclusively for families with small children. Parents should use good judgment before bringing a very young child to a formal holiday concert or production, such as a performance of Handel's "Messiah."
Support the Fine Arts by Attending Holiday Concerts and Programs
Holiday programs sponsored by churches and schools are free or are very inexpensive. College holiday programs offer very good talent, as well. Check for open rehearsal discounts on holiday concerts and performances by professional groups. There is no reason to cut back on holiday entertainment when times are rough and budgets are tight. Some of the best talent is offered by local performers and directors willing to volunteer time and talent to share the holiday spirit.
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